Brihadisvara Temple
Also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Big Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Chola masterpiece, built entirely of granite. Its 66-metre vimana was the tallest in the world at the time of its consecration.
Photos of Brihadisvara Temple
Brihadisvara Temple at a Glance
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Shiva |
| Established | 1010 CE |
| Architecture | Chola / Dravidian |
| Timings | 06:00–12:30, 16:00–20:30 |
| Best time to visit | October to March for cooler weather; November to February for the best light. |
| Address | Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur 613007 |
About Brihadisvara Temple
The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, also called Rajarajeswaram, was built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I and consecrated in 1010 CE. It is dedicated to Shiva as Peruvudaiyar, and it stands as the finest expression of Chola power and architecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Great Living Chola Temples.
Because it was built as a royal statement rather than a local shrine, its inscriptions give an unusually complete record of the temple's life. They list the gifts of land and gold, the priests and musicians who worked here, and the several hundred dancers attached to the temple.
History of Brihadisvara Temple
Commissioned by Raja Raja Chola I to mark a millennium of Chola power. The single 80-tonne capstone above the sanctum remains an engineering mystery.
Architecture of Brihadisvara Temple
The vimana, the tower over the sanctum, rises in 13 tiers to about 66 metres, and is topped by a single stone capstone that tradition says weighs around 80 tonnes. The whole structure is built of granite, which is widely said to have been brought from quarries some distance away.
In front of the sanctum is a monolithic Nandi, among the largest in India, carved from a single rock. The passage around the sanctum holds Chola frescoes, painted over by the Nayaks in later centuries and rediscovered in the 20th century.
Rituals and Worship at Brihadisvara Temple
The temple still performs daily worship, with Shiva worshipped as a large lingam, and the Nandi is bathed with offerings on Pradosham days, twice a month. The Sadaya Vizha celebrates Rajaraja's birthstar.
Maha Shivaratri is observed with all-night worship. Dance and music performances, a tradition going back to Rajaraja's temple, continue in the complex during festivals.
Festivals Celebrated at Brihadisvara Temple
- Sadaya Vizha
- Maha Shivaratri
Visiting Brihadisvara Temple: Planning Your Trip
The temple complex is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the granite catches the light and the crowds are thinner.
Thanjavur's Palace complex, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, the Art Gallery and the Chola temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, are the natural follow-ups.
How to Reach Brihadisvara Temple
Thanjavur is 350 km south of Chennai by road or rail. The temple is a short walk from the town centre.
Temples Near Brihadisvara Temple
- Jambukeswarar TempleTamil Nadu · about 47 km in a straight line
- Sri Ranganathaswamy TempleTamil Nadu · about 49 km in a straight line
- Nataraja TempleTamil Nadu · about 92 km in a straight line
- Meenakshi Amman TempleTamil Nadu · about 147 km in a straight line
- Manakula Vinayagar TemplePuducherry · about 149 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Arunachaleswarar TempleTamil Nadu
- Ramanathaswamy TempleTamil Nadu
- Ekambareswarar TempleTamil Nadu
- Kailasanathar TempleTamil Nadu
- Vadakkunnathan TempleKerala
- Srikalahasti TempleAndhra Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Brihadisvara Temple
Where is Brihadisvara Temple located?
- Brihadisvara Temple is located at Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur 613007, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Brihadisvara Temple?
- The presiding deity at Brihadisvara Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Brihadisvara Temple?
- Brihadisvara Temple is generally open 06:00–12:30, 16:00–20:30. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Brihadisvara Temple built?
- Brihadisvara Temple was established 1010 CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Brihadisvara Temple?
- Brihadisvara Temple is built in the Chola / Dravidian style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Brihadisvara Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Brihadisvara Temple include Sadaya Vizha, Maha Shivaratri. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
How can I reach Brihadisvara Temple?
- Thanjavur is 350 km south of Chennai by road or rail. The temple is a short walk from the town centre.
Why is Brihadisvara Temple significant?
- UNESCO World Heritage Chola masterpiece, built entirely of granite. Its 66-metre vimana was the tallest in the world at the time of its consecration.
What is the best time to visit Brihadisvara Temple?
- October to March for cooler weather; November to February for the best light.